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Deer won't eat my protein...
#7249037
08/08/18 01:09 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841
DocHorton
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841 |
Hey Guys, I've been attempting to feed protein for almost 2 years and my deer just don't eat much of it at all...only about 150-200 lbs all summer. I've tried everything I know....put in corn with it, tried a different protein, etc. It's a gravity feeder and I have pictures of deer eating out of it, but they just don't consume much. The only thing is the protein may be old at this point, I bought 10 bags thinking that would last a couple months back in the winter and it has been mostly sitting in a container since then, but even when it was new they consume very little. I have a pretty healthy deer population for my small area, I routinely see 10-12 deer on my place every time I go. I have a lot of water on my place, the feeder is in a good traveled area for the deer. Closest corn feeder is about 150-200 yards away. They hit my corn every day. Any thoughts? I'd really like to get them on protein pretty heavily. Should I dump it all and try a different protein again? This is what I'm feeding, it's the only thing my local feed store has... https://www.sportsmanschoicefeeds.com/product/record-rack-deer-breeder-formulaI'm looking for any other ideas...I just don't understand why they won't eat it.
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7249051
08/08/18 01:18 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
Feed does get old and starts to smell old. What style/brand feeder are you using? How much rain have you had this spring and summer? Did you fill the feeder to the top when starting to feed? I have been feeding protein since 2012. When it rains here the deer slow down and sometimes quit hitting the feeders. Last year in the late winter and spring I was filling feeders every 7-14 days till early June. It rained a lot last summer and the did stopped eating protein. I did have to refill the feeders till mid Sept. This year it was the same as far as filling feeders but it did not rain this year until late June. I filled the feeders on June 23rd and the deer have not emptied them since. I had to turn the corn feeders down also.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7249109
08/08/18 02:02 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841
DocHorton
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841 |
It's just a gravity feed barrel style, just like this one.... http://buckstophunting.com/product/j-gottcha-feeders/I haven't had much rain at all, yes I filled to the top when feeding. I top it off each time I go and there's very little gone, like they've only eaten 150-200 lbs in probably 6 months. How long does protein last or is it good for? Maybe I will pour it all out and start again, but growing season is basically over at this point....
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7249134
08/08/18 02:24 PM
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067
titan2232
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067 |
Might try some corn/soybean mix. It has a decent protein percentage and I've never seen deer shy away from eating it.
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7249138
08/08/18 02:32 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841
DocHorton
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841 |
Not sure where I can get that, but I will look into it, thanks.
Several of my buddies have Boss Buck protein feeders and they seem to have really good luck with them, maybe I'll get rid of mine and get a new one.
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7249170
08/08/18 02:57 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
How high off of the ground is the bottom edge of the feed ports? It could be a bit to tall for the size deer in your area. My feeders were set at 38-39" from the factory. I knew the size deer here would struggle to eat out of it when just starting out. So I dug the legs down to where the ports were 32-33" from the ground. I put about one bucket of corn in each feeder when I set them up. When the deer ate the corn I then mixed in one bucket of corn and one bucket of protein in the feeders. When that was gone I put in enough feed to last a month. Feed will start to get a stale smell and taste after about 3 months. By topping off the feeders before they are empty all the feed in the bottom of the feeder is probably turning to powder and full of brown bugs or weevils. If your deer have been eating protein for a long time they might eat the old feed if they have to. Most won't eat old feed when starting out. I would dump all the feed out and clean the feeder. Then put in a bucket or so of corn. Then a bucket of corn and protein mix. When the feeder is empty put enough feed to last till you come back again. I would never put more than a month to 6 weeks worth of feed in a feeder. Feed type or brand will not matter as long as it is fresh.(will be marked with manufacture date). If the location you are buying feed from had 6 month old feed when you bought it then the feed is now over a year old. Also get a feed made for free ranging whitetails and a not deer in a breeder pen. Pasture rations have less fiber, more protein % and generally more minerals. Breeding pen rations will be high fiber, lower protein and lower mineral content. Not the best feed for a free range feeding situation IMO.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7249317
08/08/18 05:20 PM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 456
MWTX270
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 456 |
I had a homemade gravity feeder, and the coons would rake the feed on the ground, and had to fill it weekly, about 75lbs. I have trapped and disposed of 28 coons. I bought a 200 lb boss buck feeder and I really like it. It has 3 spouts, and the deer eat out of each spot. Have pictures of deer eating out of all 3, at the same time. I feed antler max, record rack, and red chain deer pellets. All are 20% protein, and the deer seem to eat whatever i put in it. So far this year, just pictures of does, with one small 8 point. Hoping the big bucks will find it. I have my feeder fenced off, with hog panels. I also have a timed corn feeder, in the same pen, that feeds evenings and mornings, for 4 seconds a throw.
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: stxranchman]
#7249354
08/08/18 05:44 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841
DocHorton
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841 |
How high off of the ground is the bottom edge of the feed ports? It could be a bit to tall for the size deer in your area. My feeders were set at 38-39" from the factory. I knew the size deer here would struggle to eat out of it when just starting out. So I dug the legs down to where the ports were 32-33" from the ground. I put about one bucket of corn in each feeder when I set them up. When the deer ate the corn I then mixed in one bucket of corn and one bucket of protein in the feeders. When that was gone I put in enough feed to last a month. Feed will start to get a stale smell and taste after about 3 months. By topping off the feeders before they are empty all the feed in the bottom of the feeder is probably turning to powder and full of brown bugs or weevils. If your deer have been eating protein for a long time they might eat the old feed if they have to. Most won't eat old feed when starting out. I would dump all the feed out and clean the feeder. Then put in a bucket or so of corn. Then a bucket of corn and protein mix. When the feeder is empty put enough feed to last till you come back again. I would never put more than a month to 6 weeks worth of feed in a feeder. Feed type or brand will not matter as long as it is fresh.(will be marked with manufacture date). If the location you are buying feed from had 6 month old feed when you bought it then the feed is now over a year old. Also get a feed made for free ranging whitetails and a not deer in a breeder pen. Pasture rations have less fiber, more protein % and generally more minerals. Breeding pen rations will be high fiber, lower protein and lower mineral content. Not the best feed for a free range feeding situation IMO. Great info...I'll just start over. I'll check the height, but I don't think that is the problem because they can easily eat out of it. I did what you talked about initially with the corn, then protein and corn mix. They seemed to eat it, but I filled that sucker up hoping it would be gone the next time I checked it. I only go every 3-4 weeks in the off-season and I was expecting them to empty it in a month is the reason I filled it up. I'll try a different protein as well. Appreciate it!
Last edited by DocHorton; 08/08/18 05:45 PM.
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7249362
08/08/18 05:49 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032
Navasot
Hollywood
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Hollywood
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032 |
placement of the feeder will make a big diff also... iv seen deer that hate eating out of a feeder next to water or tight woods then some herds that wont go into an open field to save their life
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7249387
08/08/18 06:20 PM
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 512
soonersorlaters
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 512 |
Hey Guys, I've been attempting to feed protein for almost 2 years and my deer just don't eat much of it at all...only about 150-200 lbs all summer. I've tried everything I know....put in corn with it, tried a different protein, etc. It's a gravity feeder and I have pictures of deer eating out of it, but they just don't consume much. The only thing is the protein may be old at this point, I bought 10 bags thinking that would last a couple months back in the winter and it has been mostly sitting in a container since then, but even when it was new they consume very little. I have a pretty healthy deer population for my small area, I routinely see 10-12 deer on my place every time I go. I have a lot of water on my place, the feeder is in a good traveled area for the deer. Closest corn feeder is about 150-200 yards away. They hit my corn every day. Any thoughts? I'd really like to get them on protein pretty heavily. Should I dump it all and try a different protein again? This is what I'm feeding, it's the only thing my local feed store has... https://www.sportsmanschoicefeeds.com/product/record-rack-deer-breeder-formulaI'm looking for any other ideas...I just don't understand why they won't eat it. Where is your lease located? Is the feeder penned in? If so, how big is the pen?
Last edited by soonersorlaters; 08/08/18 06:21 PM.
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7249391
08/08/18 06:23 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,930
unclebubba
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,930 |
We have multiple protein feeders on our property. We put a protein feeder and corn feeder right next to each other. Have two setups about 120 yards apart, and at one setup, they eat the protein like crazy, and at the other, just 120 yards from there, they will only eat the corn. Makes no sense, but who knows. Try putting your protein feeder in a different spot too.
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: soonersorlaters]
#7249400
08/08/18 06:34 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841
DocHorton
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841 |
Hey Guys, I've been attempting to feed protein for almost 2 years and my deer just don't eat much of it at all...only about 150-200 lbs all summer. I've tried everything I know....put in corn with it, tried a different protein, etc. It's a gravity feeder and I have pictures of deer eating out of it, but they just don't consume much. The only thing is the protein may be old at this point, I bought 10 bags thinking that would last a couple months back in the winter and it has been mostly sitting in a container since then, but even when it was new they consume very little. I have a pretty healthy deer population for my small area, I routinely see 10-12 deer on my place every time I go. I have a lot of water on my place, the feeder is in a good traveled area for the deer. Closest corn feeder is about 150-200 yards away. They hit my corn every day. Any thoughts? I'd really like to get them on protein pretty heavily. Should I dump it all and try a different protein again? This is what I'm feeding, it's the only thing my local feed store has... https://www.sportsmanschoicefeeds.com/product/record-rack-deer-breeder-formulaI'm looking for any other ideas...I just don't understand why they won't eat it. Where is your lease located? Is the feeder penned in? If so, how big is the pen? Property is outside Grand Saline. No pen for the feeder...I've had it in two different locations with same issue.
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7251371
08/10/18 03:58 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032
Navasot
Hollywood
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Hollywood
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032 |
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7251570
08/10/18 07:25 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 11,534
rickym
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 11,534 |
Feed corn and soybean mix, and keep minerals near by.
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7252017
08/11/18 11:47 AM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 43,921
Stub
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2005
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Buddy of mine in Jacksboro said they are tearing the protien it up, especially the bucks. Its real dry up there and not much else to eat, might have something to do with it? Where you hunt is there a lot of good browse or dry there also?
Last edited by Stub; 08/11/18 11:49 AM.
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7252730
08/12/18 01:31 AM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 336
phathawg
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 336 |
I go through 200-300 lbs per week in Leon county. I feed 12% allstock
There's only 2 seasons in a year. Deer season and getting ready for deer season.
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7252775
08/12/18 02:10 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,906
Simple Searcher
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THF Celebrity
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I had a feeder like the ones you had a link for. I do not know why our deer would not eat from it. So we got the kind with the longer chutes. We know have 2 of the 1000 pounders on 120 acres, they empty them every month. And yes you can protein feed on a small place and make a difference.
"Man is still a hunter, still a simple searcher after meat..." Robert C. Ruark
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: Navasot]
#7256951
08/15/18 05:09 PM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,498
TX_LT230FH
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,498 |
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: Navasot]
#7259425
08/17/18 04:52 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841
DocHorton
OP
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841 |
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: Simple Searcher]
#7259426
08/17/18 04:53 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841
DocHorton
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841 |
I had a feeder like the ones you had a link for. I do not know why our deer would not eat from it. So we got the kind with the longer chutes. We know have 2 of the 1000 pounders on 120 acres, they empty them every month. And yes you can protein feed on a small place and make a difference. That's good to hear. I'm gonna try a BossBuck feeder...my buddies have good luck with those. Curious, what kind of improvement have you seen and how long have you been feeding?
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: phathawg]
#7259453
08/17/18 05:21 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032
Navasot
Hollywood
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Hollywood
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032 |
I go through 200-300 lbs per week in Leon county. I feed 12% allstock same
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: TX_LT230FH]
#7259454
08/17/18 05:22 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032
Navasot
Hollywood
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Hollywood
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032 |
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7259457
08/17/18 05:23 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032
Navasot
Hollywood
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Hollywood
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032 |
and you have deer eating out of the same feeder somewere else or a single style feeder
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: Navasot]
#7259487
08/17/18 06:03 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,841
DocHorton
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
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and you have deer eating out of the same feeder somewere else or a single style feeder I have three spinner corn feeders...my protein feeder is the only one like this one. I've seen them eat out of it, but they don't eat much. I'm gonna try a new protein and get a new feeder and see if it helps. What kind of protein do you feed and what kind of feeder?
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7266268
08/24/18 03:23 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 3,091
Always ready 2 hunt
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
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Posts: 3,091 |
I think your initial fill up got old, clumped and dust/mush in bottom. I agree clean out and start over is best option.
also, I'd remove the ladder off your double stand barrel feeders when not using to climb. Just throw it off to the side. Fill one barrel with corn and other just with corn in bottom and then corn/protein mix but I'd only fill 1/2 way to start with. I've been using Antler Max bags. I'd like to try Double Down but don't want to pay that extra price. I switched to 1000 lbs feeders by Krivoman and put The Hammer timed feeders on them (my budget not allow free demand 24/7) and the deer come in when it opens just like my timed corned thrower. I'm glad I invested in the large feeder and The Hammer. Currently running 1700 corn thrower and 1000 protein with The Hammer at same location about 40 yards apart. Deer walk past corn to protein but when bucks come in the does or smaller buck walk down to corn. They work back and forth for hours because I have each unit open/throw at daylight, then again about 8:30 each morning.
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7272597
08/30/18 10:54 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 620
DEERSTRANGLER
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 620 |
I couldn’t keep my Boss Buck feeders filled last year with Purina Antlermax. Tried a cheaper brand and they wouldn’t touch it. Dumped it all out and went back with the Antlermax. They’re back to pounding it hard.
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7272662
08/31/18 12:06 AM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 15,976
Jimbo1
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 15,976 |
They're pounding the Antlermax at my place this year too, Glad I switched as previous years they just nibbled here and there.
FJB - Lets Go Brandon BBB - Bring Back Better Awake - Not Woke!
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7272925
08/31/18 04:11 AM
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,113
Ranch Dog
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
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Posts: 2,113 |
My deer are hammering the AntlerMax, 1250 lbs per month per 100 acres. We have had dry years in the past dozen and it always tapered off in the hot months. Last year, I put in a water pipeline and wildlife waters, and I think it is tied to the protein consumption in the hot weather. A deer only needs to walk 250 yards in any direction to have cool, fresh water.
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7273474
08/31/18 07:41 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
The deer in my area are just starting to eat a little protein again since the persimmon crop is about gone now. The 12" of rain from late June into first week of July is about gone now. Brush still looks good and put on a lot of new growth. There were a few mesquite beans this year and few pear apples so deer had a mass crop buffet here for a while. Throw in huisache beans and they had plenty of candy to keep them busy. I could tell the amount of mast by the seeds in the coyote and coon scat. Even the cattle droppings had the beans and the persimmon seeds in them. Could not find one yearling bull calf for a day and half while he was eating ripe persimmons.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Deer won't eat my protein...
[Re: DocHorton]
#7273502
08/31/18 08:17 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 309
krazy kris
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 309 |
I use the all stock in the purple feed bag I think it's 12% protien and they love it all year long. I think it's 8.98 for a 50 pound bag.
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